Dear Neighbors,
A reminder that tomorrow, Saturday, March 10th, I am hosting a town hall meeting at the Shoreview library. The event is set to begin at 10:00 am and I encourage you to attend if you are able. This is an opportunity to recap last year’s accomplishments and preview what’s to come during the 2018 legislative session. I hope to see you there!
Following the tragedy in Parkland, Florida, a national conversation has emerged regarding safety in our schools. In response to this call to action, a number of legislative committees heard bills this week that specifically work to improve student safety.
One particular piece of legislation that is gaining traction is a bill authored by Education Finance Committee Chair, Jen Loon. Rep. Loon’s bill would give schools the authority to amend their ten year facilities plan to include improvements to enhance school safety through security modifications to buildings—including remodeling and new construction. It would also allow this funding to be used to purchase equipment designed to improve school security.
In addition to Chair Loon’s bill, I have drafted legislation that would provide investment by the state for independent audits of school building safety and crisis management plans.
Other legislators are also considering new investments in mental health assessment options in our schools.
This past week a group of high schoolers met with me to discuss the sexual exploitation prevention bill. As you may recall from previous updates, House File 2768 would allow school districts to include sexual exploitation prevention instruction in health curriculum.
Sadly, sexual exploitation or misconduct can sometimes be perpetrated by a teacher or other school administrator. Just this past summer, there were news reports of a teacher engaging in a consensual, sexual relationship with an 18-year old senior. Some may be surprised to know that current state law does not criminalize such behavior.
Fortunately, legislation was heard this week in the Education Innovation Policy Committee that would make these sorts of relationships illegal. Most would agree that it is inappropriate for a teacher or administrator to engage in sexual behavior with a student, even if that student is 18 years old. I am glad this bill is starting to make its way through the legislative process and am happy to support it.
School safety is an important topic and I want to hear your thoughts on this issue. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-0141 or via email at rep.randy.jessup@house.mn. It would be great to hear from you.
Have a great weekend and I hope to see you at tomorrow’s town hall,
Randy